Love Novel 48

The house is busy. People are running around, yelling at each other across the rooms if they don’t have walkie talkies.
I’m in my room. The door closed, ignoring the sound of people running around. Caterers, planners and decorators are
hustling to make everything look perfect for my mother’s approval.
Tonight’s the rehearsal dinner and I’m honestly questioning why they’re making it such a big deal. It might as well just be
the wedding. I peer out the window.
The backyard is transforming into something out of a magazine, with twinkling lights and elegant table settings that feel
too extravagant for such a small gathering.
I wonder how much money Jake is putting into this because Lord knows my mother has none.
I take my time getting ready, not even bothering to check up on mother. I do my skincare, paint my nails and soon I Islip
into my light orange silk dress.
It’s modest, with long sleeves and a high neckline, the hem stopping just above my knees. Pairing it with nude heels. It’s
cute, romantic.
I sweep my hair into a loose bun, leaving a few wisps framing my face, and add a touch of natural makeup.
As I’m applying my lipstick, a knock on the door pulls me from the mirror.
“Come in,” I call, pressing my lips together.
Aiden steps in. I smile at him through the mirror and my breath catches.
He’s wearing a fitted suit, the dark fabric perfectly complementing his broad shoulders and sharp jawline. His dark tie is
neatly knotted, and his hair is styled just enough to look both effortless and intentional.
He smiles at me and that perfect curve also falters as he whistles, running a hand down his face.
“You look…” he starts, but then shakes his head with a grin. “You’re stunning.”
Heat rises to my cheeks as I smile. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
He lifts an eyebrow and closes the door behind him before crossing the room.
He stands behind my chair and his hands gently find my waist as he presses a soft kiss to my jaw. I still smile at his
reflections, pressing my hand to the side of his face.
His lips wander down my jaw to my neck and I take a sharp inhale of breath before pushing him away. “Stop! We have to
head downstairs.”
He groans, hands lowering to my legs, trying to lift my dress. “Not even two minutes?”
“No, you’re going to mess up my hair and makeup.” I turn to face him, shaking my head.
“You’re so beautiful, baby,” he murmurs against my mouth, helping me stand before he wraps his arm around my waist.
I pull back, still smiling. “Let’s go before my mother sends a search party.”
“Good idea,” he says, offering me his arm.
We make our way downstairs and, as we pass the kitchen, Aiden pulls me through the staff carrying trays of hors
d’oeuvres and champagne flutes. Aiden grabs a couple of appetizers off a tray, handing me one as we exchange
mischievous grins.
“Champagne?” he asks, nodding toward a cluster of flutes on the counter.
“Absolutely,” I reply, grabbing two glasses, smiling widely.
We toast with a quiet clink and drink quickly, muffling our laughter as we set the empty glasses back down.
“This feels so wrong,” I whisper.
“Then we’re doing it right,” he says, his hand on my ass as we head to the backyard.
“Be appropriate,” I chastise, lifting his hand to my waist.
Outside, the scene is breathtaking. The tables are set with flickering candles and floral centerpieces. The lights above look
so beautiful in the darkening sky. Most of the guests have arrived, mingling in small groups with glasses in hand.
Aiden and I find a quiet spot near one of the high tables, laughing and chatting about nothing in particular. It feels good
to just be.
He doesn’t stop complementing me, his hands looking for ways to touch me every chance he gets. “All I can think about
is getting you out of that dress.”
I pretend to be shocked at his words, pressing a hand to my chest. “Maybe I’ll let you after all of this is over.”
He smiles, stepping in close to me. “I can sneak up a bottle of champagne.”
I hum. “That sounds perfect.”
But then Aiden looks over my shoulder and tenses, his expression darkening as he mutters, “You’ve got to be fucking
kidding me.”
“What?” I ask, turning to follow his gaze.
Zaid is stepping out of the house, looking every bit his usual composed self in a crisp black suit. My stomach tightens at
the sight of him, but it’s not just Zaid that has my chest clenching, it’s the girl by his side.
Her red dress clings to her like it was painted on, her heels clicking against the stone pathway as she walks beside Zaid,
her arm in his.
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It’s Sadie.
My vision turns blurry, my hearing muffled. Everything feels distant and I can barely hear Aiden’s voice as he calls my
name.
My chest aches and I can’t breathe.
Why? Why would he bring her here?
I rub my scar on my wrist trying to ground myself, trying to breathe.
My heart lodges in my throat and I turn to Aiden, letting my body fall against his chest, his arms wrap around me,
keeping me upright.
“Why is she here?” I ask, my voice low and shaky.
“I don’t know,” he says. “Fuck, he’s an ass.”
Zaid’s gaze sweeps through the crowd, his expression unreadable until his dark eyes land on me. His lips curve into a
faint smirk, and I swear it’s deliberate.
“Let’s go,” Aiden says, his voice sharp as he grabs my hand.
But I don’t move. I can’t. My feet feel rooted to the ground, my pulse racing as I try to process what’s happening.
Why would Zaid bring her here? And why does it feel like she’s here for me, not him?
Sadie’s eyes meet mine, and she smiles, a sly, knowing expression that makes my stomach churn.
This rehearsal dinner just became a nightmare.